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Hoffmann, R. A wiki for the life sciences where authorship matters. Nature Genetics (2008)
 
 
 
 
 

Infliximab attenuates immunoreactivity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a rat model of herniated nucleus pulposus.

STUDY DESIGN: The effect of infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody to TNF-alpha, on induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined using an experimental herniated nucleus pulposus (NP) model. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether treatment of infliximab could attenuate an induction of BDNF, which functions as a modulator of pain, following NP application to the nerve root. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Evidence from basic scientific studies proposes that TNF-alpha is involved in the development of NP-induced nerve injuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of infliximab against pain have not been elucidated experimentally. METHODS: Twenty rats were used in this study. In the test groups, the animals underwent application of NP to the L4 nerve roots and received a single systemic (intraperitoneal) injection of infliximab at the time of surgery (Infli-0 group, n = 5) or at 1 day after operation (Infli-1 group, n = 5). As a control treatment, sterile water was administered intraperitoneally to 5 rats with NP application (NP group) and to 5 sham-operated rats (sham group). On day 3 after surgery, the L4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and L4 spinal segment were harvested and assessed regarding BDNF immunoreactivity. RESULTS.: Application of NP induced a marked increase of BDNF immunoreactivity in number in the DRG neurons and within the superficial layer in the dorsal horn compared with the sham group (P < 0.01). Infliximab treatment in the Infli-0 and Infli-1 groups reduced the BDNF induction in both DRG and spinal cord (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that infliximab attenuates the elevated BDNF levels induced by NP. The present study therefore further indicates the importance of TNF-alpha in sciatica due to disc herniation and the possible therapeutic use of a TNF-alpha inhibitor for this condition.[1]

References

  1. Infliximab attenuates immunoreactivity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a rat model of herniated nucleus pulposus. Onda, A., Murata, Y., Rydevik, B., Larsson, K., Kikuchi, S., Olmarker, K. Spine. (2004) [Pubmed]
 
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